Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee

Minutes

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Committee Room
Present:
  • Donna Benson
  • Melinda Diebel, Barn Cat Co-op
  • Dianne Fil, Spay, Neuter Initiatives
  • MJ Galaski, Animal Rescue Krew
  • Kimberley Mack, Golden Rescue
  • Kelli Polsinelli, Wild Earth Refuge
  • Councillor Brian Nicholson
Absent:
  • Kassie Dickson
  • Kim Marchbank, Team Chelsea
Also Present:
  • K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator
  • Felicia Bianchet, Council-Committee Coordinator
  • K. Feltham-Pittman, Manager, Animal Services

Krystal Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator called the meeting to order and advised that all members were participating from the Committee Meeting Room except Kimberly Mack and Kelli Polsinelli who participated electronically and Kim Marchbank and Kassie Dickson who was absent. 

The City of Oshawa is situated on lands within the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg and the signatories of the Williams Treaties, which include the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Rama and Beausoleil First Nations. We are grateful for the Anishinaabeg who have cared for the land and waters within this territory since time immemorial.

We recognize that Oshawa is steeped in rich Indigenous history and is now present day home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We express gratitude for this diverse group of Indigenous Peoples who continue to care for the land and shape and strengthen our community.

As a municipality, we are committed to understanding the truth of our shared history, acknowledging our role in addressing the negative impacts that colonization continues to have on Indigenous Peoples, developing reciprocal relationships, and taking meaningful action toward reconciliation.

We are all Treaty people.

1. Advisory Committees of Council Policy and Procedure

K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator provided a presentation concerning the Advisory Committees of Council Policy and Procedure.

Councillor Nicholson entered the meeting electronically at 6:33 p.m. 

  • 2. Election of Chair of the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee

    K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator opened the floor for nominations for the role of Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee for a one-year term.

    Moved byMelinda Diebel

     That Donna Benson be nominated as Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee for a one-year term.

    Donna Benson accepted the nomination of Chair. 


  • Moved byMJ Galaski

    That the nominations for the role of Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee be closed.

    Carried
  • The vote to appoint Donna Benson as Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee. 

    Carried
  • 3. Election of Vice Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee

    K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator opened the floor for nominations for the role of Vice Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee for a one-year term.

    Moved byMJ Galaski

    That Melinda Diebel be nominated as Vice Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee for a one-year term.

    Melinda Diebel accepted the nomination for Vice Chair.


  • Moved byMJ Galaski

    That the nominations for the role of Vice Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee be closed.

    Carried
  • The vote to appoint Melinda Diebel as Vice Chair of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee.

    Carried

    Donna Benson assumed the Chair. 


Kathy Pittman-Feltham, Manager, Animal Services, provided an update on the activities at Animal Services. 

The Committee questioned Kathy Pittman-Feltham.

  • Moved byMelinda Diebel

    That the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee 2025 Meeting Schedule be adopted as recommended. 

    Carried
  • Moved byMelinda Diebel

    That the Community Resources Working Group Report on Pet Wellness Days be received for information.  

    Carried

    Councillor Nicholson left the meeting at 7:00 p.m. 


  • Moved byMelinda Diebel

    That the 2024 Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee work plan be updated and approved as the work plan for 2025. 

    Carried
  • Moved byMelinda Diebel

    That a Community Resources Working Group be created to cover items in the 2025 Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee work plan under the headings:

    • Services for vulnerable animals;
    • Promotion & education;
    • Fundraising support & network building; and,

    That Kimberley Mack, Dianne Fill, Donna Benson, Melinda Diebel and MJ Galaski be appointed to the Working Group; and,

    That MJ Galaski be appointed as Chair of the Working Group. 

    Carried
  • Moved byMelinda Diebel

    That a By-law Working Group be created to cover items in the 2025 Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee work plan under the headings:

    • Bylaws & regulations;
    • Wildlife; 
    • Other animals; and,

    That Melinda Diebel, Donna Benson and Kelli Polsinelli be appointed to the Working Group; and,

    That Kelli Polsinelli be appointed as Chair of the Working Group. 

    Carried
  • Moved byMelinda Diebel

    That the meeting adjourn at 7:39 p.m. 

    Carried
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